L1-3

CCIT4085 Information Technology Fundamentals

1.3 Hardware and Software

• Focus on the relationship and differences between hardware and software.

Page Overview

Page 1

• Course Title: CCIT4085 Information Technology Fundamentals

• Section Focus: Hardware and Software Introduction

Page 2

• Topics Covered:

  • Hardware and Software

  • History of Computers

  • Hardware Components of Computers

  • Different Types of Software

Page 3

• Definition of a Computer:

  • General-purpose device programmed for arithmetic or logical operations (as defined by Wikipedia).

  • Considered an electronic device.

  • Hardware is the physical part of the computer, while Software comprises the instructions that control hardware activities.

  • Equation for a Computer System: Hardware + Software (+ User)

Page 4

• Components of a Computer:

  • Users interact with the computer.

  • Software Types:

    • Application Software:

      • Games, Spreadsheets, Word Processors, Databases, Internet Browsers, Utilities

    • Operating System Software (System Software):

  • Hardware Components: CPU, disks, mouse, printer, etc.

Page 5

• History of Computers:

  • Began before 1945 with devices like:

    • Abacus

    • Slide rule

    • Mechanical calculator

    • Hollerith’s Punch Card Tabulating Machine and Sorter

Page 6

• First Generation Computers (1945 +):

  • Powered by vacuum tubes

  • Characteristics: Large Size

  • Notable Machines: ENIAC and UNIVAC

Page 7

• Second Generation Computers (1950-1963):

  • Used transistors

  • Characteristics: Larger size, included mainframe computers.

Page 8

• Third Generation Computers:

  • Utilized integrated circuits (ICs)

  • Intermediate size with less electricity consumption

  • Included mainframe and minicomputers.

Page 9

• Fourth Generation Computers:

  • Used microprocessors (VLSI design)

  • Compact size with increased reliability and capacity

  • Examples: Supercomputers, IBM personal computers.

Page 10

• Fifth Generation Computers:

  • Introduced ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI) technology

  • Involved fields like AI, robotics, and voice recognition.

Page 11

• Advanced Computers:

  • Employ massive parallel architectures and vector processors

  • Networking technology example: NEC’s Earth simulator.

Page 12

• Future Computer Technology:

  • Includes optical, quantum, biological, and nano-computers.

Page 13

• Hardware Definition:

  • Tangible, physical equipment.

  • Six Major Components:

    • Processor

    • Memory

    • Input devices

    • Output devices

    • Storage devices

    • Communication devices.

Page 14

• Hardware Components:

  • Processor: CPU

  • Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse

  • Memory: RAM, Floppy disks

  • Output Devices: Monitor, Printer.

Page 15

• Processor Description:

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) and its historical evolutions.

Page 16

• CPU Functions:

  • Interprets and executes program instructions

  • Coordinates hardware devices.

Page 17

• Internal CPU Structure:

  • Includes Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Memory, Registers, Cache.

Page 18

• Memory Functionality:

  • Acts as the working space for CPU, important for instruction storage.

Page 19

• Memory Units Conversion:

  • Examples of KB, MB, GB, TB conversion.

Page 20

• Random Access Memory (RAM):

  • Volatile memory functioning as temporary storage and its characteristics.

Page 21

• Read-Only Memory (ROM):

  • Non-volatile memory storing permanent data, like BIOS.

Page 22

• Comparison of Memory Types:

  • RAM and ROM function descriptions, data retention characteristics.

Page 23

• CPU Cache:

  • Faster than RAM, enhances performance by storing frequently accessed data.

Page 24

• Memory Capacity Overview:

  • Memory types: RAM vs. Storage (HDD).

Page 25

• Input Devices Description:

  • Examples: Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Digital cameras, etc.

Page 26

• Output Devices:

  • Examples of printers and monitors.

Page 27

• Storage Devices:

  • Examples: Hard disks, optical discs, USB drives.

Page 28

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD):

  • Mechanical operation, susceptibility to power loss and magnetic fields.

Page 29

• Solid State Drive (SSD):

  • Digital storage with no moving parts, advantages over HDD.

Page 30

• SSD Performance:

  • Comparison of boot-up speed and multi-drive configurations.

Page 31

• Communication Devices:

  • Examples and uses, e.g., routers, switches.

Page 32

• System Unit Description:

  • Houses internal components, various sizes and shapes.

Page 33

• System Unit Components:

  • Includes motherboard, ports, buses, and power supply.

Page 34

• Motherboard Functions:

  • Main circuit board that allows system components to communicate.

Page 35

• Motherboard Images/Examples.

Page 36

• Adapter Cards:

  • Used to enhance computer functionality.

Page 37

• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU):

  • Specialized for graphics rendering and parallel computing tasks.

Page 38

• GPU Applications:

  • Uses in gaming, machine learning, cryptocurrency mining.

Page 39

• Neural Processing Unit (NPU):

  • Specialized microprocessor for AI tasks.

Page 40

• NPU Applications and Benefits:

  • Impact on various fields like healthcare, autonomous vehicles.

Page 41

• Typical Specifications for a Copilot+ PC:

  • Minimum requirements and features explained.

Page 42

• Ports and Connectors:

  • Discusses connectivity features of the motherboard.

Page 43

• Examples of Ports and Connectors:

  • Types including USB, SATA, and network connections.

Page 44

• Further Ports and Connectors Information:

  • Details about audio, video, and power connectors.

Page 45

• USB and HDMI Interfaces:

  • Types and data transfer rates explained.

Page 46

• Wireless Data Transfer Technologies:

  • IrDA, Bluetooth, and WiFi capabilities and speeds.

Page 47

• Software Overview:

  • Definition and types (System vs. Application Software).

Page 48

• Software Distribution Methods:

  • Definitions for packaged, custom, open-source, shareware, and public-domain software.

Page 49

• BIOS Explanation:

  • Importance in motherboard operations.

Page 50

• Operating System (OS) Functions:

  • Coordination of hardware activities.

Page 51

• Operating System Types:

  • Overview of major OS like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Page 52

• Functions of an Operating System:

  • User interface management, resource management.

Page 53

• User Interfaces:

  • Command Line vs. Graphical interface explained.

Page 54

• Multitasking Support in OS:

  • Memory management and user account control.

Page 55

• Device Driver Functionality:

  • Interaction between OS and hardware.

Page 56

• Utility Programs of an OS:

  • Examples include file management, disk utilities, and backup tools.

Page 57

• Types of Application Software:

  • Overview of business, graphic multimedia, and home or personal software.

Page 58

• Reference Link for HDD vs SSD Comparison.

  • Suggests resources for further reading.